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The Tuscan Coast

The exquisite beauty of Tuscany’s coastline and the Tyrrhenian Sea unfold before you as we cycle along breathtakingly scenic routes including the Strada del Vino, one of the most beautiful wine roads in Italy.

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Why You'll Love This Tour

Overview

The Tuscan Coast

Cycle into the heart of Tuscany’s fertile Costa degli Etruschi on this popular VBT itinerary. Here, breathtaking vistas roll out before you, from the sweeping coast to sprawling farmland to hilltop castles. We’ll take it all in during exhilarating reels along stunning routes, including the wine road locally known as Strada del Vino. Along the way, get to know the Tuscan people who flourish amidst such beauty as we sample local wines and olive oils, share a meal in the home of a renowned expert in Tuscan cuisine, and experience the welcoming abbondanza spirit of two the region’s famed agriturismi.

Cultural Highlights

Savor tasty meals prepared by the world-class chef/owner of the Agrihotel Elisabetta

Taste the best varietals of the Agrihotel Elisabetta's wine cantina

Admire panoramic views and a picnic lunch at Casale Marittimo

View vineyards along the Strada del Vino, a beautiful wine road

Visit a renowned expert on Tuscan cuisine in her home and sample her delicious cooking

Sample olive oil at a family-owned mill

Cycle along one of the most picturesque routes in Europe, from Sassetta to Suvereto

Learn a few Italian phrases from our Trip Leaders

Relax on Tyrrhenian Sea beaches and in seaside towns

What to Expect

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain and moderate hills. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills and is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists.

Air Package Plus Single Supplement: $365 | Land Only Single Supplement: $255

Please note: Web Special savings cannot be combined with any other offer. Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. 2015 Prices include all airline surcharges and Government taxes and fees. Ask our Tour Consultants for details. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. Prices are based on preferences selected above, including meals and sightseeing as specified in What’s Included. All prices are subject to change. Departure dates and prices shown may be updated several times daily, and apply to new bookings only.

Itinerary & Map

Or, Expand All Days

DAY 1: Depart from home / Fly overnight to Florence

Depart from home for Italy. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.

DAY 2: Arrive in Florence

Upon arrival at the Florence airport, a VBT local representative meets you outside the customs area and helps you transfer to your hotel. The representative will be holding a VBT sign.

If you are going to be delayed meeting our transfer representative for more than 15 minutes due to delayed or lost luggage, please let our Airport staff know by calling or sending a text message to +39 351 204 9571. Our drivers are generally able to wait for up to 45 minutes from the time your flight lands, after which you would be responsible for your own transfer. However, they might be able to reschedule your transfer if they are aware of the delay. You may also contact our One Call travel assistance to advise of your delay and they will contact our transfer service.

Please note: If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 2 pm. You may store your luggage with the reception desk.

At the hotel a local VBT representative will be available at a set time to answer your questions and offer an optional private guided walk to help you make the most of the city. You have the rest of the day free to explore, using VBT’s City Information as your guide. Please note: To visit the Uffizi Gallery, you must make reservations in advance. To reserve online, go to www.florence-museum.com. For information on all Italian museums, go to www.italy-museum.com.

Please note: Italian museums are closed on Mondays.

Hotel: Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci

DAY 3: Meet Trip Leaders in Florence / Transfer to Collemezzano

VBT No-Air Package guests: Your tour starts at 12 pm at our Florence hotel (Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci, via de’ Tornabuoni 3, Firenze, phone +39 055 212645). Your Trip Leaders will be in the lobby wearing VBT staff garments. We will transfer by private coach to Collemezzano. During our transfer, the coach will stop so you can buy lunch. If your arrival at our Florence hotel is later than 12 pm or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi (approximately 60 minutes) at your own expense (approximately €100/$135 USD) to the Agrihotel Elisabetta. Also, if you are arriving from the city center, you must transfer at your own expense to the meeting point, which is centrally located. Contact the Agrihotel Elisabetta to advise of any travel delays or changes, and ask the front desk to pass the message on to your VBT Trip Leaders.

VBT Air Package & Pre-trip Extension guests: This morning, spend more free time exploring Florence’s wonderful museums, shops and cafés. Discover the 14th-century Duomo, which serves as the focal point of Florence. Its structure and façade are symbolic of the Renaissance. Take a walk across the Arno River on the famous Ponte Vecchio and browse the shops of the goldsmiths and silversmiths who have replaced the butchers and grocers of centuries gone by. See works by Caravaggio, Botticelli, Raffaello and Rembrandt at the Uffizi Gallery. Or just relax and enjoy a cappuccino or espresso in the Piazza del Signoria and Piazza del Duomo, where Florence’s art and history surround you.

At 12 pm, meet your VBT Trip Leaders in the hotel lobby. They will be easy to recognize as they will be wearing VBT staff garments. Once the entire group is assembled, we transfer by private motorcoach (approximately 1 hour) to Collemezzano. During our transfer, the coach will stop so you can buy lunch.

On arrival in Collemezzano, we proceed to the Agrihotel Elisabetta. This inviting accommodation and its smiling owner, Luigi, will surely enchant you. After settling in, meet your Trip Leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session before a short warm-up ride over gentle hills and past old farmhouses shaded by cypress trees. Later this afternoon, our gregarious host Luigi takes us on a guided tour of his wine cantina. Here, sample some of Luigi’s varietals while sharing the day’s stories with your small group. Dinner is at the hotel restaurant.

Following breakfast, begin cycling in Cecina, a tiny village nestled between the sea and the mountains in Tuscany’s Costa degli Etruschi region—the Etruscan Coast. Ride through the rolling countryside, flanked by cypress trees and fertile vineyards, as you head to Casale Marittimo, one of the area’s several medieval hilltop towns. Once there, admire the medieval castle and the 12th-century Sant’Andrea Church before enjoying a delicious picnic prepared by your Trip Leaders.

Afterward, continue cycling downhill through the charming village of Bibbona, entering the fragrant Cecina pine forest as you head back to the hotel. This evening, spend the evening at leisure at Agrihotel Elisabetta where dinner is on your own.

Begin your day by pedaling the Cecina Mare promenade en route to the Strada del Vino, one of the most beautiful of Italy’s wine roads. Your route traces the Ornellaia vineyard to Bolgheri along gently rolling hills. Bolgheri is known for its Viale dei Cipressi, a cypress-lined avenue immortalized in the poem “San Guido” by Giosuè Carducci. You may want to stroll along this boulevard after enjoying lunch on your own.

This afternoon, shuttle to the Tombolo Talasso Resort, your deluxe hotel right on the Tyrrhenian Sea, or continue cycling on easy back roads. Whichever you choose, we gather together a bit later for a brief Italian language workshop with your VBT Trip Leaders. In the evening, enjoy a home-hosted experience in a typical Tuscan countryside house. Our host, Chicca, will cook dinner for us, and you are welcome to help and learn from her before enjoying the meal at sunset under the pergola. Chicca is the founder of Cooking in Tuscany, a culinary-gastronomic association that spreads traditional Italian and Tuscan cuisine in Italy and abroad. The goals of the association are to experiment with and research old traditional recipes, to use and emphasize typical products of the season, and to promote the culture and tradition of the region through the knowledge of local products. And, of course, to share the hospitality and warmth of an Italian family! Chicca will present a one-hour, hands-on cooking class, after which we will have the chance to dine on our own creations.

After breakfast, continue riding along the historic Strada del Vino to the family-owned and operated Fonte di Foiano olive oil mill. During our visit, we meet the Di Gaetano family, who lead us on a private tour of the press and workshop. Taste the oil during a degustazione (sampling) on the terrace. During your tasting, Michael Di Gaetano explains the differences among regions and how varied the flavors can be. Afterward, enjoy an included lunch—prepared by Michael himself, using organic and fragrant vegetables—on the farm grounds.

Then, we cycle on to our hotel, stopping at Daniela’s great bicycle shop. Once you’ve returned, take free time to stretch out in the sand at the hotel’s private beach or take a respite in one of the five thermal swimming pools at the Wellness Center. Tonight, your Trip Leaders can suggest a restaurant to try in the lovely seaside village of Marina di Castagneto. Dinner is on your own.

Today’s adventure from Sassetta takes you along one of the most picturesque routes in Europe. Cycling past cork and pine trees, medieval estates and fields of sunflowers, you arrive in Suvereto, an ancient village whose origins date to the year 1000. Situated on the slopes of hills overlooking the Costa degli Etruschi, it is a true jewel, rich in history and art, set in the green valley of the River Cornia. The town displays remarkable architectural harmony: Its ancient walls enclose paved streets lined with stone houses, historical buildings, impressive churches and shadowy cloisters. Continue on a thrilling downhill ride to Montioni. From here, relax and shuttle through the Maremma, a beautiful area of flat grazing lands, or continue riding. Then it’s on to our welcoming country retreat at Agriturismo Montebelli.

Situated on immaculately maintained grounds with olive trees, vineyards and wildflowers, the Agriturismo Montebelli has tennis courts, an outdoor pool and a small spa and sauna. There is also a stable with horseback riding facilities. After (or instead of) biking, explore the grounds, go horseback riding, or take a dip in the hotel pool. Dinner tonight is on your own and you can select from the hotel menu.

After breakfast, cross the soft foothills of the high Maremma, a scenic, lush landscape traversed mostly by locals.

Later in the morning, we arrive in the lovely seaside resort of Castiglione della Pescaia. This city’s layers of history extend from Roman occupation through its many subsequent rulers—the Marquis of Tuscany, the Abbey of San Germano, Perugia, the Duke Della Corgna, the Grand Duke of Tuscany and, in the 18th century, the Papal State. Inside the urban center, fortified by 15th-century walls, the town and the palace of Della Corgna Dukes remain well preserved. Seeing the four towers rising out of the Castle of Buriano is certain to be a highlight of your day. Known as one of the most remarkable examples of military art in Tuscany, this tenth-century castle once belonged to the powerful Lambardi family.

Here, do some last-minute gift shopping or sunbathing on the beach. If you prefer not to cycle, you can enjoy leisurely pursuits at the Agriturismo Montebelli, such as a walk through the vineyards or relaxing at the intimate spa.

VBT No-Air Package guests: After breakfast, transfer to our Rome hotel. Your trip ends here at approximately 11:30 am-12 pm. You are responsible for your own transfer to the airport for your flight home.

VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, transfer to your central Rome hotel for your final overnight stay. Your hotel room may not be available until 1 pm. You may store your luggage with the reception desk.

If you have chosen the independent Post-trip Extension to Rome, you will remain at this hotel for three nights. When you arrive today, VBT’s Rome representative can answer your questions and offer optional city walks to help you make the most of Rome. VBT’s City Information includes recommendations for restaurants, museums and transportation in Rome, and will help you explore on your own.

Hotel: Visconti Palace Hotel PostMeals: B

DAY 10: Depart for Home

After breakfast* this morning, you will transfer to the Rome airport (approximately 40-60 minutes, depending upon traffic) for your departing flight. Please ensure you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated transfer time**.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the front desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

**Please note: VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Meals: B

Download Itinerary PDF

Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci

Located in two Renaissance palaces on one of Florence’s most elegant shopping streets, the Palazzo Minerbetti and the Palazzo Strozzi del Poeta are close to all the important monuments of the city. Featuring a rooftop garden with panoramic views of Florence, the hotel welcomes guests in its elegant rooms decorated with frescos and antique furniture. Typical of historical Italian palaces, each room is different in layout and size. The historic paintings, antique pieces from the 17th-19th centuries and elegant chandeliers in Murano glass are definitely part of the charm.

Visconti Palace Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located in the center of Rome, just a stroll away from the Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s, and well connected to other central historical areas of Rome by the city transportation systems. It was completely renovated in 2004. The Visconti Bar off the lobby is the ideal meeting place for a drink or a light meal overlooking the hotel courtyard.

Tombolo Talasso Resort

The Tombolo Talasso Resort is set on its own private beach in the seaside village of Marina di Castagneto Carducci on the Etruscan Coast. This accommodation offers enchanting views of green hills, vineyards and olive yards in the typical colors of the Tuscan countryside. A large spa and wellness centre is available for guests.

Agriturismo Montebelli

The beauty of nature suffuses this secluded estate, whose immaculately maintained grounds are dotted with olive trees, vineyards and flowers, all cultivated according to the principles of organic farming. At your leisure here, choose from a wealth of activities, including tennis, swimming in the outdoor pool and horseback riding, where qualified instructors have introduced the Equine Guided Education approach where horses can teach us something about ourselves, how we move through life and connect with others. The walk to the ancient Oak tree with amazing views of the surroundings and to the stone labyrinth are a “cannot miss” during this stay. The restaurant at this eco-friendly accommodation serves traditional dishes prepared from fresh, local produce, and you may also enjoy the spa, which offers a variety of treatments, as well as a massaging waterfall fountain, Turkish bath and sauna. Your room is furnished with 19th-century Tuscan furniture and has a TV, telephone, and private bath with hair dryer.

Agrihotel Elisabetta

Luigi Brunetti’s Agrihotel Elisabetta is situated on a splendid hill in the antique noble village called Collemezzano, today part of Cecina in the Province of Livorno. After many years as a successful chef throughout Europe, Luigi realized his dream of returning to Italy and purchasing a farm. Today, this farm and antique farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees welcomes guests into its 31 country-style rooms. While here, perhaps you’ll enjoy wine, fruit and olive oil produced right on the premises, as well as gourmet cuisine prepared by Luigi himself and served in the hotel’s restaurant. Enjoy panoramic views from the terrace, take a dip in the pool, and retire to your comfortable room with television, telephone, minibar and private bath with shower. Complimentary WiFi is available in the lobby.

Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With LOw-Cost Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension - Florence

2 nights for only $395

Two nights at the Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci

Daily breakfast

City Information

Airport transfers

Begin your Italian bicycle tour with two magical days in Florence, the art lover’s paradise. The Italian province of Tuscany boasts more classified historical monuments than any other region in the world, and the most dazzling are in Florence. The Renaissance began here, and the period’s great works of art are on display throughout the city. Florence also has delightful cafés for relaxing and people-watching. A city that is fun to explore on foot, Florence has many attractions concentrated in the relatively small historic center stretching from Piazza del Duomo south to the Arno River. Only available with the Air-Inclusive Package.

Single supplement: $155

DAY 1: Depart from home / Fly overnight to Florence

Depart from home for Italy. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.

DAY 2: Arrive in Florence / Begin your Trip Extension in Florence

Upon arrival at the Florence airport, a VBT local representative meets you outside the customs area and helps you transfer to your hotel. The representative will be holding a VBT sign.

If you are going to be delayed meeting our transfer representative for more than 15 minutes due to delayed or lost luggage, please let our Airport staff know by calling or sending a text message to +39 351 204 9571. Our drivers are generally able to wait for up to 45 minutes from the time your flight lands, after which you would be responsible for your own transfer. However, they might be able to reschedule your transfer if they are aware of the delay. You may also contact our One Call travel assistance to advise of your delay and they will contact our transfer service.

Please note: If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 2 pm. You may store your luggage with the reception desk.

At the hotel a local VBT representative will be available at a set time to answer your questions and offer an optional private guided walk to help you make the most of the city. You have the rest of the day free to explore, using VBT's City Information as your guide. Please note: To visit the Uffizi Gallery, you must make reservations in advance. To reserve online, go to www.florence-museum.com. For information on all Italian museums, go to www.italy-museum.com.

Please note: Italian museums are closed on Mondays.

Hotel: Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci

DAY 3: Independent exploration of Florence

The day is yours. You may wish to set out and explore the city's most famous museum, the Uffizi Gallery (advance reservation required; see above). You might enjoy strolling along the shop-lined promenades of the Via Tornabuoni. Or cross the River Arno in search of antiques or handicrafts in the Piazza del Duomo.

You have the day free to explore the historic city of Florence and enjoy its Renaissance architecture and famous museums. In the evening, relax in one of the city's restaurants and sample the local cuisine.

VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Hotel: Hotel Tornabuoni BeacciMeals: B

Post-Trip Extension - Rome

2 nights for only $395

Two nights at the Visconti Palace Hotel

Daily breakfast

City Information

Airport transfers

Discover the Eternal City at your leisure as you spend two nights in Italy’s timeless capital. History, art and architecture abound, from Greek sculpture to Roman ruins. Marvel at the grandeur of the Vatican, where St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel await. Stroll through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the Coliseum. Take time to walk up the Spanish Steps, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome, or just spend a relaxing afternoon at a quiet outdoor café. Many attractions are within walking distance of your centrally located hotel. Only available with the Air-Inclusive Package.

Single supplement: $195

DAY 1: Remain in Rome for your optional extension

Spend today exploring the city on your own. You can step out of Italy while you're still in Rome with a visit to the Vatican, an independent state. The Vatican museums are filled with magnificent art that goes far beyond such well-known pieces as the Pieta and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. You can book an optional guided tour the day before at our hospitality desk.

Please note: Italian museums are closed on Mondays. Vatican museums are closed on Sundays, since they are in Vatican State.

Hotel: Visconti Palace HotelMeals: B

DAY 2: Independent exploration of Rome

Today's opportunities are endless. You might visit the Forum, the political and commercial center of ancient Rome when the empire was at its greatest power. Various emperors constructed the temples, monuments and other buildings here over a period of nine centuries. Today you can still see the Curia where the Roman Senate met. Take a walk up the Palatine Hill, where tradition says the first settlers of Rome built their huts under the direction of Romulus, and which was later the home of Caligula, Nero, Tiberius and Domitian. Tour Rome's famous Catacombs, located in tunnels carved out of rock along the Via Appia (“Appian Way”). Or spend an idyllic afternoon in the gardens of the Villa Borghese, one of Europe's most elegant parks. And by all means, do as the Romans do—sip espresso, savor Italian wine and, even in the middle of the rush of modern European life, take the time to enjoy la dolce vita. After a full day of independent exploration, retire to your hotel or perhaps enjoy one of Rome's fine restaurants.

An optional walking tour of Ancient Rome is available today. Highlights include the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Capitolio, Marcello Theater and the Jewish Ghetto. This two-hour program may be booked with your VBT hotel representative upon arrival in Rome (it may not be booked in advance of travel).

Hotel: Visconti Palace HotelMeals: B

DAY 3: Rome Extension concludes / Depart for home

After breakfast* this morning, you will transfer to the Rome airport (approximately 40-60 minutes depending upon traffic) for your departing flight. Please ensure you are waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated time**.

*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the front desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

**Please note: VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Meals: B

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